The Pack Leader

12 lessons on leadership I've learned from our pack (applies in real human life as well). Our pack leader here is Rowan, our red Borzoi. All Hail Rowan:

1. The Pack Leader does ask for attention, her mere presence commands it at all times.

2. The Pack Leader communicates nonverbally (a lip pulled back ¼” over one fang, or The Look, is all that is needed).

3. The Pack Leader is clear in her expectations (Thou Shalt Not Play in My Bedroom! Thou Shalt Not Steal My Food! Thou Shalt Not Chew on My Bone, even if I buried it 50 yards into the woods, five weeks ago!).

4. The Pack Leader will only rarely and when absolutely necessary verbalize strongly (bark, growl), and you had better pay attention!

5. The Pack Leader is always consistent in her expectations.

6. The Pack Leader commands respect with her appearance and body language.

7. The Pack Leader watches and listens at all times for the good of the pack.

8. The Pack Leader takes care of her needs first; knowing that without a leader the pack is lost (ie: “In the event of a sudden loss of cabin pressure, securely fasten your own oxygen mask before attending to your children….”).

9. The Pack Leader will defend her pack from outsiders at all costs.

10. The Pack Leader will administer punishment only when the pack does not resolve the behavior or issue on their own.

11. The Pack Leader considers every pack member as equal, (even the lowest member of the pack, who’s special purpose sometimes is just to take out her aggressions on and prove her dominance).

12. The Pack Leader shows compassion when any pack member is not well.